JUDGES' SALARIES

Mr David Marshall asked the Minister for Finance whether he would make a further statement on Judges' salaries.

Dr Goh Keng Swee: Mr Speaker, Sir, the review of the pay of Judges has been made in relation to that paid in the Federation and in the light of arrangements for merger between Singapore and the Federation after which the Judiciary will become a unified service.

Following upon the revision of salaries of Federation Judges, a review in Singapore becomes necessary. The total pay of the two Chief Justices is about the same. As regards the Puisne Judges, the total pay, including cost of living allowances, syce allowance and entertainment allowance of a Federation Puisne Judge is $2,620 p.m. The Singapore Puisne Judge gets a total of $2,470 p.m. There is a difference of $150 p.m. and it has been decided to make up this difference by providing our Puisne Judges with an entertainment allowance of $150 p.m.

Mr David Marshall: Would the Minister indicate whether that further allowance is to be paid as from the future or as from some past date, because these differences have been in existence for a considerable time?

Dr Goh Keng Swee: These allowances are payable with effect from the 1st of January.